51 24 300 Removing and installing or replacing left or right gas pressure spring for tailgate

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT WHEEL ARCH PANEL on left.

NOTE: Gas pressure spring is only installed on the left side.

IMPORTANT: Gas-filled shock absorber restricts opening angle of tailgate.
When gas-filled shock absorber is removed, body and/or rear window can be damaged by tailgate.
Opening angle can be restricted by semicircular spacer buffer (from window bonding repair kit).

Bond spacer buffer (1) above recess (2).

Spacer buffer (1) must contact hinge carrier (3) when tailgate is open.

Fig 1: Identifying Tailgate Spacer Buffer And Hinge Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slide retaining spring (1) to end of gas pressure spring (2) and lever out gas pressure spring (2).

Repeat procedure at other end of gas strut (2).

Remove gas strut (2).

Installation note:

Mount gas pressure spring (2) with retaining spring (1) pushed back.

Installation position is marked by a corresponding mark on gas pressure spring (2).

Fig 2: Removing Gas Strut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.